Bridget Barton

Had lots of potential, but was disappointing

This book read like it was trying to be a Jane Austen novel, but failed because there was too much dialogue and not enough substance. The story had great potential as a historical romance, but the characters fell flat. Also, the passage of time was hard to get a read on, and because of that the struggle that the characters faced was hard to believe. The writing itself was good, but I found myself wishing for the novel to be over.… (mais)

I’m 31% in, and confused. Cousin Lulu’s husband ran off, but she was married, which makes her a Mrs. So why is she insisting she is a Miss? That only applies to unmarried women. Like, widows are still referred to as Mrs… And I am also confused by multiple men being referred to as “lords” but not being told what their titles are. I don’t think we even know what the hero’s title is, never mind that he would not be called Lord Lovell but rather Lord Trenowden. And while we’re on the subject of titles, Lady Grace and Lady Cynthia’s mother is Lady Rutledge, not Lady Teresa. And Trenowden’s aunt would be Lady Middleton, not Lady Elizabeth.

At 36% - leaving aside dance cards being labeled with the dances on deck for the evening, Lady Grace dancing multiple times in a row with Lord Trenowden would have been scandalous. More than two is basically announcing they’re engaged.

At 81% - good lord, Cynthia’s behavior being described is something else, practically calling her a wino double-fisting glasses! If that is the case, her reputation is already in the gutter. She is being unbelievably unlikeable

85% - I’m not a stickler for accuracy in HRs, but some things are a bit unrealistic. A coachman offered to take tea with a titled family? A lord working the mines he owes?

100% - In the end, this did not cater to any of my favorite tropes. Supposedly the heroine is plain, but while it’s mentioned a couple of times, it’s pretty irrelevant to the plot. Theoretically there could have been angst about the hero’s betrayal, but instead we end up with pages of meticulous detail about people’s drawing rooms and daily routines. I was hoping for drama, and since the is low on that, it felt tepid to me. Also I don’t think the hero and heroine even kiss. Ultimately just not my cup of tea.… (mais)